BY Michael McMullan CORMAC O’Doherty has been around enough corners to know that Sleacht Néill must have their eyes peeled with Portaferry coming down the tracks this week. While they’ve dominated the Derry scene for 12 seasons, they’ve just over a 50 per cent hit rate from their Ulster final appearances. Ballycran gave them a lesson […]
By Niall Gartland CAOLAN Taggart was only a teenager when he pocketed an Ulster Championship medal back in 2014, but it’s taken Portaferry a full 10 years to get back to provincial final day. You could point out with some justification that they have received a bye into the final, but their performance against eventual champions […]
By Michael McMullan SWATRAGH hurling is continuing to rise but they are at another crossroads as they bid for Ulster glory against Antrim’s Carey Faughs on Saturday. For Sean Martin Quinn, he can see the progress deeper than their results in recent years. Numbers are more plentiful with a greater interest and a relaxed environment. […]
By Michael McMullan DERRYLAUGHAN manager Kevin Niblock is aware of two key points ahead of Sunday’s Ulster semi-final showdown with Ballinderry. The former St Gall’s and Antrim star knows the Shamrocks possess quality. Secondly, he is content his Derrylaughan side’s underbelly is a tough one. The Kevin Barrys clawed back from seven points down against […]
By Shaun Casey WHILE the Clann Éireann ladies carried home their second consecutive Ulster title last Sunday, it’s all about the men this weekend and they are keen to follow in the ladies footsteps, says boss Ruairi Lavery. The huge obstacle of Tyrone champions Errigal Ciaran stand between Clann Éireann and a first-ever appearance in an […]
By Shaun Casey GETTING to play new teams offers new challenges and for Magheracloone manager Damian Feeney, he is embracing the freedom of Ulster. In Monaghan, the teams know each other inside out, but Ulster is an entirely different ballgame. Sure, opposition managers will do their homework and analysis, as Feeney has spent the past […]
By Shaun Casey BREDAGH boss Donal Sheehan already had one eye on the Derry champions, even before the Ulster quarter-finals took place. He had a sneaky suspicion that if his side could see off Burt, then it would be a team hailing from the Oakleaf County facing them in the semis. Admittedly, Sheehan had initially […]
By Michael McMullan SUNDAY’S Ulster Junior Hurling final is Ballinascreen’s third game in 15 days but manager Cathal McDaid is relishing the busy schedule. As soon as the dust settles on the game, it’s time to get a look at what’s coming next. Any niggles and sores need managed. This week was about getting a […]
By Shaun Casey FOLLOWING on from their impressive victory over Middletown the first day out, Castleblayney sharpshooter Niall Garland is hoping his side can continue their winning trend against Antrim champs Carey Faughs on Sunday. Both sides arguably upset the odds in the Ulster quarter-finals, with a late Garland free helping Blayney nip by Middletown […]
By Michael McMullan PAUL McNeill puts the Sleacht Néill hurlers’ consistency down to a sheer desire to win but admits improvements are needed ahead of Saturday’s Ulster semi-final date with reigning champions Cushendall. The vice-captain’s first taste of senior hurling was his addition to the panel for their 2014 replay defeat at the hands of […]
